Energy savings tips

Find out how to reduce the cost of heating your home.

General tips

Switch your electricity supplier to a green tariff. This means that your electricity source will either be offset through a renewable energy source such as hydroelectricity and wind turbines or the energy company will invest in new renewable technology.

Make sure you check with the energy company first to find out how the system will work.

There are a large number of energy saving products on the market.  Many of these can be accessed on-line at the Greenshop but make sure you shop around for the best deals.

If you are thinking of replacing any appliances check if you can get them for free at you local Freecycle Group.  Otherwise make sure you check the Energy Rating as a more energy efficient fridge or washing machine will save you money on running costs in the long run.

If you want further information about specific products that use less energy the Energy Saving Trust and Which? are good places to start.

Appliance use

Electrical appliances

Don’t leave electrical equipment such as televisions, videos and DVD players on standby as they will continue to consume electricity. If everyone did this we would save the equivalent amount of electricity of one power station. 

Remember, if you are buying a new television, plasma screens use far more electricity than LCD screens and have a shorter life span.

Kettles

Only fill the kettle up for the amount of water you need to boil as kettles are high energy users.

By using the right amount you could save yourself significant amounts of money. Not only do they consume lots of energy but are one of the primary culprits when it comes to overall UK peak energy use where people come home from work and switch on their kettles and TVs at roughly the same time.

White goods

Consider buying a Savaplug. These replace the usual plug at the back of the fridge and will cut energy use from the appliance by 20%.

When replacing old white goods (eg fridges, freezers, ovens) make sure you check the EU Energy Label as it will tell you how efficient the product is. Any appliance with an A rating or A++ will save you more money in the long term as well as helping to reduce CO2 emissions.

Lighting

Energy saving light bulbs or Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) have come down significantly in price in the last few years and there are now many more designs and styles.  Not only will they last 8 times longer than the standard bulb but they can also save up to 90% in terms of running costs for lighting.  Remember also to turn off lights when you leave a room.

Computers

If your PC is busy downloading or burning a CD, switch the monitor off and remember not to leave it on standby when turning the computer off.

Heating and insulation

Windows and draughts

Double glazing can be an expensive way to reduce heat loss as only 10% of heat is lost through the windows.  The amount of savings made per year from double glazing can take up to 20 years to recoup the initial expense. Whilst there are grants for insulation (see below) it is worth checking that the house has adequate draught proofing and no heat is being lost unnecessarily.  However, it is also important to ensure that no ventilation shafts are blocked.  A poorly ventilated house will increase condensation which in turn will make the house colder.

Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.  Reflector panels can also be placed behind radiators to retain heat - these are available at DIY stores.

Walls and lofts

35% of heat is lost from the average house through the walls and 20% through the loft.  Installing cavity wall insulation and loft insulation can significantly reduce your electricity bill as well as keeping your home warmer in the Winter.  Cavity wall insulation also has the added bonus of keeper the home cooler in the summer.  These measures are helping to cut emissions and energy use across the UK.  If you are interested in installing insulation please contact the Energy Efficiency Helpline.

Boilers and hot water

The latest central heating systems including condensing and combi boilers are now required to meet stringent standards relating to energy efficiency.  If your boiler is no longer working or is approaching its end of use you may be eligible for a grant.  Please contact the Energy Efficiency Helpline on 0800 512012 for more information.

By turning down your thermostat by 1C you can cut your heating bills by around 10%.

Installing a hot water jacket to your tank will costs around £5-10 and will pay for itself in a year.  Insulating hot water pipes can also save around £10/year.  These measures are available at any good DIY store.